Working with Anxiety
Is anyone else looking at those astronauts and struggling to breathe?
The enormity of where they are and what they’re doing. Their vulnerability.
That’s what anxiety feels like to me.
What are they attached to? How do they steer that ship? What if it goes off track and disappears into nothingness? Who is there — physically, really — to help?
Anxiety is in the air at the moment. The world can feel like a mess, and there is so much to worry about.
What are we attached to? How do we steer this ship? What if we go spiralling off into nothingness?
I am a natural-born pessimist, from a long line of pessimists. I don’t want advice from someone who prefaces their wildly successful TED talk by telling you they were born an optimist. I want someone who’s had to work at it — who’s figured it out.
Over the years, I’ve come to this place:
What is anxiety really asking?
Break it down and slow it down.
What is it that scares you?
- Loneliness
- Anger
- Vulnerability
- Rejection
Breathe into it and feel it.
Place your hands on your chest and notice the contact. Feel your breath moving in and out.
What is the fear protecting you from?
What is it preventing you from?
Can you say to the inner, scared part of you:
“I see you. I know you’re there. You are safe and you are loved.”
Coming back to the present
On a daily basis, find a way to come back to the here and now.
Zone in on what you can control:
- Plant something
- Start a conversation
- Make something with your hands
Entertain the small child in you who loves getting dirty, who likes making things, who wants to feel the sun on their back.
Remind him or her that they are safe — that they do have options and choices.
If anxiety is feeling overwhelming or persistent, therapy can offer a space to explore it safely and at your own pace.
You can find out more about the support available on the therapy services page.